Orchid Cactus - Epiphyllum hybrid

Orchid cactus (Epiphyllum hybrid) is truly a delight for the indoor gardener with its magnificent flowers that look like water lilies rather than orchids. The large, showy funnel-shaped flowers are very beautiful. These stunning plants are native to the tropics of Central and South America and bloom in various shades of red, pink, orange, white, violet and yellow.

The blooms occur in early spring when the plant is about three
years old or older on long, flat, wavy edged stems with tiny hair-like
spines at the joints.

These exotic, tropical plants are also known
as the Epi cactus or Jungle cactus. They are easy-to-grow and you can
grow these plants in a pot; however, they will require some type of
stake for support. Ideally, they do very well displayed trailing from
tall planters or pedestals and hanging baskets.

In order to get
that spectacular floral display, you must provide your plant cool
nighttime temperatures and dry conditions during the winter months for
the buds to set. When the buds appear, you must keep plant away from
drafty areas with extreme heat and cold temps such as doorways and
heating vents.

Do not move plant around once buds appear. The buds are very sensitive to changes in light and temperature and will drop if moved, resulting in loss of flowers.

Orchid Cactus Care Tips

Light:
They prefer bright, filtered light (near a sunny south, east, or west
window), and will burn if exposed to too much sun. They don't like
extreme heat and should be kept out of areas that receive more than two
hours of full sun a day.

Water: water freely and drain off excess
water, allow the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce water during winter to just enough to wet the roots, as the plant
goes in the dormant stage.

Humidity: The Epiphyllum hybrid will
do fine with average humidity (25% or more). During the summer mist
plants using a spray bottle filled with tepid water at least once per
day. Humidity around 50-60% will keep the orchid cactus happy. A room
humidifier may be used indoors to keep the moisture in this range.

Temperature:
Plants do well in temperatures of 65° to 75°F (16° to 24°C) during the
day and 10 degrees cooler at night. During winter, keep plants 60-65ºF
(16-18ºC) and 40-55ºF (4-12ºC) at night.

Soil: Potting soil
should be a well-aerated potting mix of 50% or more organic matter. You
can make your own by combining one part regular potting soil with one
part leaf mold and one part perlite or coarse sand.

Fertilization: Fertilize monthly during the plant’s active period of growth in spring and summer with a balance plant food.

Propagation:
Epiphyllums are easily propagated from segments of 4 to 6 inches (10 to
15 cm) or by cutting during the spring. Stem cuttings should be
allowed to callus over for a week before planting in the propagation
mixture. Cuttings should be shallowly planted upside-down, with only
two of the growing tip’s serrations in the soil. Water sparingly, but
never let the soil dry out. Cutting will soon root, and you will have a
new plant.

Repotting: Repot your Orchid cactus every two
(2) years in a well-aerated potting mixture in a pot that is one size
larger as plant should be slightly rootbound. If the new stem growth is
long and spindly move to higher light.